► Sexual Health

Sexual Health

There are many different contraceptive methods available, and different methods suit people at different times of their lives. Most contraceptives need to be prescribed. If your GP does not provide all the methods they should be able to tell you of the nearest GP or family planning clinic that does. How effective any contraception is depends on how old you are, how often you have sex and whether you follow the instructions.

Advice is available at the University Medical Centre most of the working day by telephoning the number below and asking for 'contraception advice'. It is a confidential service but is only available to students registered with the Medical Centre.

You can pick up a leaflet from outside the Medical Centre at Park campus or from any SU Office, that explains all the advantages and disadvantages of the variety of contraceptive methods.

Safe sex is sexier than an STI 

Whether it’s with a long term partner, someone you want to get with, a friend with benefits, or a total stranger – most of you are probably having sex (or are at least thinking about it!). Do you know what else you might have? Chlamydia, other STI’s, an accidental pregnancy? I don’t want to be a mood-killer, but I’m pretty sure reading this article will be less painful for you than any of those!

Chlamydia can be transmitted through penetrative sex or foreplay, as Chlamydia is present in semen (and precum) and vaginal fluid. Which means, if you touch, lick, kiss or penetrate someone with Chlamydia, you now have Chlamydia on your hand, mouth or penis. But 80% of women and 50% of men with Chlamydia show no symptoms – you could be carrying it right now and spreading it around, without even knowing. Pretty disgusting, right? How about this - you could be giving oral sex to someone with Chlamydia, transmitting it into your mouth, and not even know it... Not a sexy thought!

So, the easiest way to avoid transmitting an STI to your partner, or getting one from them, is to use protection. Condoms are designed specifically for penetrative sex and dams are designed for oral sex on the vagina or anus. And guys, don’t write off condoms because they ‘don’t feel as good’ – apparently a drop of lube inside the condom and the rest of the sachet on the outside can give you both a similar feeling experience that’s both enjoyable and safe! Plus you can get condoms, dams and lube for free (FREE!) using the C-Card Gloucestershire scheme, which is supported by your SU offices on each campus. To sign up for a card is simple and confidential, and you’ll then be entitled to free condoms or dams from your SU (or other distribution centres) until you’re 25! 400 students signed up at Freshers’ Fayre – don’t miss out on the great deal and healthy sex that they’re all getting, and sign up at your local SU.

However, you may have already been less than healthy in your sexual activities so far, or you may make the occasional mistake – don’t worry! Your SU also offer free Chlamydia testing for all students under 24 – just pick up a pack from your campus office. Everyone should test for Chlamydia every change of partner or every 12 months (remember, it’s symptomless in the majority). Chlamydia can cause painful inflammation of one or both testicles, scarring which may lead to infertility, and reactive arthritis which can leave you with permanent joint problems – can you afford not to test? 

So, students of Gloucestershire – get your contraception, go have your fun, and test regularly. A sexually active student should be a sexually healthy student, and a sexually healthy student can carry on being sexually active without antibiotics, painkillers, or a disgusted look from their partner when they drop their pants.

For more information on Chlamydia testing please contact your Education and Welfare Officer at acampbell@glos.ac.uk or visit www.best2test-glos.nhs.uk and For more information about sexual health in Gloucestershire please visit http://www.sexhelpglos.nhs.uk or contact your Education and Welfare Officer at acampbell@glos.ac.uk’